http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/04/marine-helmand-raids-hit-afghan-drug-smugglers-041612/ Raids, helo ops hit Afghan drug smugglers By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer Posted : Monday Apr 16, 2012 8:19:44 EDT CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines are running heliborne operations and other raids this spring to stem the flow of stored poppy out of the country ahead of the next harvest, said the two-star general overseeing ground operations here. The interdiction has taken place in several districts of Helmand province, where about 17,000 Marines are deployed. The poppy — used to make heroin and other narcotics — has been confiscated after it leaves the hands of regular farmers, so as not to affect their day-to-day lives. “Right now, it’s just before the harvest, so whatever they buried and kept from last year has to be moved now [before] the next harvest comes,” said M...